Physicians’ Knowledge, Perceptions and Use of Large Language Models in Clinical Practice: A cross-sectional study at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital

Authors

Rahma Al Kindi, Department of Family Medicine & Public Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, University Medical City, Muscat, OmanFollow
Hana Al Sumry, Department of Family Medicine & Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
Aisha Al Khamisi, Department of Emergency Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, University Medical City, Muscat, Oman
Wijdan Al Rashaidi, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
Hamza Al Salmi, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
Adhari Al Zaabi, Department of Human & AND Clinical Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman

Abstract

Objectives: This study assessed the knowledge, perceptions and use of ChatGPT and other large language models (LLMs) among physicians at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), Oman. It also explored perceived benefits, barriers and ethical concerns regarding artificial intelligence (AI) integration into clinical practice. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 2024 using a structured online questionnaire distributed to physicians across different specialties. The survey covered demographics, familiarity with LLMs, applications in medical education, research, clinical care, administrative tasks and ethical considerations. Results: A total of 146 physicians were included (response rate = 48.7%); 65.1% were familiar with ChatGPT or other LLMs and 70.5% had used them, mainly for education (47.9%) and research (46.6%). Use in clinical practice (29.5%) and administrative tasks (18.5%) was less frequent. Most physicians perceived LLMs as enhancing research (82.9%), education (79.5%), administrative work (74.4%) and patient care (54.1%). While 89.8% believed LLMs could improve professional work, only 39.7% expressed confidence in integrating outputs while upholding academic standards. Ethical concerns were widespread (96.6%), focusing on reliability, accuracy and data privacy. Despite low awareness of ethical guidelines (15.1%), 87.0% expressed willingness to engage in AI-related training. Male physicians reported higher use for research and diagnostics (P <0.05 each), younger physicians (<30 years) more often used LLMs for education (P = 0.037) and senior physicians more frequently perceived bias in outputs (P = 0.045). Conclusion: Physicians at SQUH demonstrated moderate familiarity and cautious optimism towards LLMs. Addressing gaps in training and ethical awareness is crucial for responsible AI adoption in clinical and academic practice.

Publication Date

12-11-2025

First Page

1117

Last Page

1125

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Kindi, Rahma Al; Sumry, Hana Al; Khamisi, Aisha Al; Rashaidi, Wijdan Al; Salmi, Hamza Al; and Zaabi, Adhari Al (2025) "Physicians’ Knowledge, Perceptions and Use of Large Language Models in Clinical Practice: A cross-sectional study at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital," Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal: Vol. 25: 1117-1125.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18295/2075-0528.2941